Quick Facts

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Location:

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Highlights:

★★★★★

North Malé

Speedboat
20 minutes

Medium

45

• Iconic service
• World-class dining

• No-shoes policy
• Large overwater villas

Reviewed by Florian

About Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Let’s begin this review of Gili Lankanfushi with what makes this resort truly stand out. Located just a short speedboat ride from Malé, Gili Lankanfushi offers an effortless arrival into paradise. But don’t be fooled by the proximity. This is one of the most peaceful and unique resorts in the Maldives.

Gili is famed for its “No News, No Shoes” lifestyle. From the moment you arrive, shoes are optional and you’re encouraged to relax, disconnect, and fully embrace island time. The service here is world-class and completely personalized. Each villa is assigned a Mr. or Ms. Friday, your dedicated butler who will tailor everything to your preferences, from unpacking your luggage to setting up surprise experiences.

With just 45 villas (all overwater) Gili Lankanfushi feels ultra-exclusive, yet never pretentious. It’s a place where luxury comes with warmth and simplicity. And for couples looking to fully unwind and be pampered in a natural setting, it’s hard to beat.

The Villas

A very important point that we want to cover in the review of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is the incredible villas.

During our stay, we chose the Villa Suite with Pool, and we can honestly say it was one of the most incredible villas we’ve experienced in the Maldives.

Gili’s villas are all overwater, made of sustainable wood and natural materials, and designed to immerse you in the beauty of the lagoon. They’re huge, even by Maldivian standards, with split-level living, open-air bathrooms, massive sun decks, overwater hammocks, and private rooftop terraces.

Our villa had its own infinity pool, stunning lagoon views, a semi-open bathroom with a large tub and rain shower, and direct access to the ocean. Every detail felt intentionally crafted from the recycled wood furniture to the serene indoor/outdoor flow of the spaces.

What really stood out was the sense of privacy. Despite the openness, we never saw our neighbors and felt like we had our own little floating world. And our Mr. Friday was incredibly attentive, checking in without ever being intrusive and arranging everything from in-villa breakfasts to sunset cruises exactly how we wanted.

Dining at Gili Lankanfushi

Let’s now talk about one of our favorite parts of this review of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: the food.

Gili’s dinner buffets deserve a special mention because they are honestly some of the best we’ve ever had, not just in the Maldives, but anywhere. The themes change nightly, from Maldivian to Mediterranean to Asian fusion, and everything is made fresh, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavor. You’ll wish you were more hungry at dinner in order to try and enjoy absolutely everything. Unfortunately, even as a big eater, I was always frustrated of not being able to try everything.

The live cooking stations add a fun, interactive touch, and the atmosphere is always intimate despite the variety offered. Whether it’s grilled seafood, sushi, curries, fresh pastas, or desserts, we were consistently blown away by the quality.

Aside from the buffets, there are also à la carte options at Kashiveli, the main beachfront restaurant, and By the Sea, their Japanese fine-dining venue tucked in the jungle, which we highly recommend for a romantic dinner.

Overwater Bar is perfect for cocktails and light bites during the day, and the lagoon views are spectacular. You can also arrange a number of private dining experiences, including dinners on the beach, in your villa, or even on a floating platform in the lagoon.

Island Life & Activities

The island itself is lush, quiet, and beautifully maintained. You can circle the island in less than 15 minutes, and bicycles are provided for each villa to cruise around the wooden jetties.

Gili Lankanfushi is not about big entertainment or crowds. It’s all about peace, nature, and personalized moments. The lagoon is calm and ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding, and the resort also offers incredible snorkeling and diving excursions around nearby reefs and wrecks.

Yoga and wellness classes are held in the mornings, and the island’s Meera Spa, located overwater, is an absolute sanctuary. Treatments are performed with organic products in soothing open-air treatment rooms where you can hear the waves and feel the breeze. We tried a couple’s massage and it was perfection from start to finish. If you travel to Gili Lankanfushi, make sure to try at least one massage, they are really amazing!

Overwater Spa & Gym

One of the highlights of Gili Lankanfushi is its Serenity Spa, beautifully perched over the water and designed for ultimate relaxation. The spa features glass floors beneath the massage tables, allowing you to watch marine life drifting by while enjoying a treatment. A truly meditative experience. The treatment menu includes a mix of traditional therapies, Ayurvedic rituals, deep tissue massages, and signature organic facials using natural, sustainable ingredients.

We highly recommend booking the Jet Lag Recovery massage if you're arriving from a long flight. It was incredibly revitalizing and set the tone for our entire stay.

In addition to the spa, Gili Lankanfushi also offers a well-equipped gym. Whether you’re looking to do a full workout or just some light stretching with a view, the space is ideal for maintaining your wellness routine. Yoga and meditation sessions are also available daily, either in the gym pavilion or on the beach at sunrise.

Service: Above & Beyond

If there’s one thing that truly defines the Gili Lankanfushi experience, it’s the extraordinary service.

Every staff member greets you by name, remembers your preferences, and seems genuinely happy to make your stay unforgettable. Our Mr. Friday felt like a friend by the end of the stay, handling every detail, from customized meals to last-minute requests, always with a smile.

The level of personalization is simply unmatched. From monogrammed welcome gifts to surprise sunset snacks and flower baths, Gili knows how to make you feel truly special.

If you want to experience next level service like you’ve never seen before, Gili Lankanfushi will really impress you. This is also one of the reasons why so many clients are recurring visitors. Once you try Gili once, you’ll want to come back, mostly for the service!

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Incredibly spacious overwater villas, all with direct lagoon access

• Some of the best buffet dinners in the Maldives

• “No News, No Shoes” barefoot luxury vibe

• Unparalleled personalized service via Mr. or Ms. Friday

• Short transfer from Malé, no seaplane needed

• Exceptional privacy and peace
  

Cons:

• Price point is on the high side (though well justified)

• No beach villas (only overwater)

• May feel too quiet for guests who prefer entertainment or nightlife

• Families with children under 12 may find limited offerings

• Very average house reef for snorkeling

Conclusion: Gili Lankanfushi, a Barefoot Paradise

Let’s conclude this in-depth review of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.

As you have understood by now, Gili is more than a luxury resort, it’s a true experience. A barefoot, back-to-nature paradise that wraps you in elegance without ever being showy. With jaw-dropping villas, a deep commitment to sustainability, unforgettable food, and service that goes beyond expectations, this is one of the finest resorts we’ve had the chance to experience.

Whether it’s for a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a once-in-a-lifetime getaway, Gili Lankanfushi is a resort we wholeheartedly recommend if you're looking for total relaxation, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere of effortless luxury.

If you value privacy, peace, and food that’ll stay in your memory for years, this may just be your perfect Maldives resort.

Gili Lankanfushi Resort Tour